Student Expelled For Carrying Gun

January 25, 1996|By John Flink.

Waukegan — A 14-year-old student arrested earlier this month for bringing a loaded gun to school has been expelled in the wake of a new district security policy aimed at reducing the threat of violence in school.

The Jefferson Middle School 8th-grader, identified only as student 14788, was expelled by the board Tuesday after a hearing determined he was guilty of "gross disobedience and misconduct."

He will remain ineligible for enrollment in District 60 schools for two years. The board also voted to implement a slate of new security measures, including hiring an additional security officer for each of the district's four middle schools. Currently, middle schools are allotted only one security officer.

The board also agreed to post signs in all schools clearly explaining the harsh penalties that come with being caught with a weapon in school. The board will also install security door buzzers at any building that wants them and provide all middle schools with two-way radios for security personnel.

"With these measures, we think we can continue to maintain a safe and healthy atmosphere in our schools," Supt. Alan Brown said.